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Buccs Plan Big Day For 'Wegians Clash

Dubarry Park, the home of Buccaneers, will be a hive of activity on Saturday afternoon. The main event is of course thei All-Ireland League Division 1B derby match against Galwegians, but there will also be a host of VIPs in attendance for the official unveiling of the revamped first pitch.

Connacht bragging rights will be at stake at Dubarry Park on Saturday in the eagerly-awaited Division 1B clash between Buccaneers and Galwegians.

The home team are going well in second place in the table with four wins in five games, while the visitors are struggling with only one win to their name - but this is a Connacht derby and all bets are off.

Buccaneers' South African coach Hendre Marnitz has a good mix of youth and experience to call on, with youngsters such as Daniel Qualter and Callum Boland making a mark.

Galwegians also feature some promising players in Darragh Fanning and some very experienced heads such as Ivan Muldoon, but they have yet to find the right gear.

The derby match is a fitting way to mark the official unveiling of the newly revamped first pitch at Dubarry Park, a venue that has hosted many a league and cup final as well as the Ireland Under-20s in recent seasons.

The President of the IRFU, Caleb Powell, will be joined by FAI President Paddy McCaul, Connacht Branch President Jim Foy and Connacht Rugby CEO Gerry Kelly for this special occasion.

Connacht head coach Eric Elwood will also be one of the guests of honour, and Buccaneers President Pat Hynes will of course extend a warm welcome to his Galwegians counterpart Derrick Murphy.

The match, which is sponsored for the day by Ganly's of Athlone, is the final home game at Dubarry Park before Christmas and a huge crowd is expected for what promises to be a great day and a brilliant advertisement for Connacht and All-Ireland club rugby.